- Midterm results reshape Washington; Iran war, fuel costs blamed as Democrats score major US election victory
Democrats secured projected control of both the US House of Representatives and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, delivering a major political setback to President Donald Trump and shifting the balance of power in Washington.
The victories give the opposition greater authority to challenge Trump’s legislative agenda and scrutinize his administration.
The party secured at least 220 seats in the House of Representatives, surpassing the 218 needed for a majority, according to Associated Press projections. Democrats also flipped at least six Senate seats, scoring significant victories in traditionally Republican strongholds, including Texas and Kansas.
Among the biggest upsets, Democrat James Talarico defeated Trump-backed Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, securing the party’s first Senate victory in the state in 38 years.
The result marked a major breakthrough in a traditionally Republican state. In Ohio, former senator Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted, winning 49 percent of the vote against 46 percent.
Democrats also unseated longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, where Troy Jackson secured 52.4 percent against Collins’ 47.5 percent. In Kansas, Adam Hamilton defeated Republican Senator Roger Marshall, marking the first Democratic Senate victory in the state in 94 years.
In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers with 52 percent of the vote against 46 percent. El-Sayed campaigned on affordable healthcare, higher taxes on billionaires and expanding housing opportunities for low- and middle-income families. His campaign also faced attacks targeting his heritage and religion.
Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries welcomed the results, describing the victory as the beginning of a “great American comeback”. He pledged to prioritize affordable healthcare, oppose cuts to government health insurance programs and tackle corruption.
Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black Speaker of the House, subject to a formal vote when the new Congress convenes in January.
Trump acknowledged that the war in Iran and its impact on gasoline prices contributed to Republican losses, suggesting voters were unwilling to accept the short-term increase in fuel costs.
He admitted being surprised by the outcome but praised Democrats for running a strong campaign. He also expressed willingness to cooperate with the opposition on certain issues, including immigration, while warning that he would veto proposals he opposed.
The results reflected growing voter dissatisfaction over the cost of living, economic management and the administration’s handling of the Iran war.
The campaign also attracted substantial financial backing, with billionaire Elon Musk contributing $446 million through political action committees supporting Republican candidates in several states, including Texas, Maine, Michigan and Ohio.
The Democratic victories represent a significant shift in Washington’s political balance, giving the party greater leverage over legislation and increased power to challenge the Trump administration.
